Will Google Glass bridge eCommerce to traditional retail?

As the release of Google Glass approaches, its potential capabilities and applications for eCommerce are coming to light. Like the iPhone, apps will be developed for the new technology, with an emphasis on interacting with the environment. Apps are already being developed that let users identify friends and pull information on historical sites and landmarks.

And although Google has decided to ban advertising on the device (at least for now), Glass apps may offer other advantages to eCommerce businesses.¬† Interacting with storefronts and suggesting online add-ons to a consumer’s physical experience can be advantageous while still giving the user control. ¬†Here are some possibilities:

Apps can identify products and offer the consumer a better price online.

Users can find reviews of products instantly and decide whether or not to buy in-store.

A consumer can view a print ad with the glasses and be directed to a site to buy it instantly.

Perhaps we’re finally entering a stage where eCommerce begins interacting with the physical shopping world, making it more important than ever for retailers to control their buyer’s experience.